Isolate code VCE-19 Gram’s Stain + (rods) Endospore + Citrate + Motility + Oxidase - Catalase + Indole - Urease - MR - VP + TSI Slant Butt H2S K A - Starch hydrolysis + Gelatin hydrolysis + Sugar Fermentation Maltose Glucose Lactose Mannitol Sucrose +/A +/A - - +/A Probable genus Bacillus

Legend: +=positive; -=negative; K=alkaline; A=acid; MR=Methyl Red; VP=Vogues Proskauer; TSI=Triple Sugar Iron.

Table 3: Biochemical characteristics of the isolate used in the study.